Homeowners who remove hazards get an edge when wildfires occur

Does your neighborhood look anything like this one? Defensible space is your best friend if wildfire comes through your area.

It takes a village to prepare for wildfire. Not only do homeowners need to be prepared, but, also businesses, parks and public lands.

Fire Adapted Communities uses tools, supported by federal and state agencies, to prepare its homes, neighborhoods, businesses, infrastructure, natural areas, and surrounding landscape for wildfire, but it’s up to you and your local jurisdiction to take the necessary actions. At a minimum, your community’s fire adapted actions should include the following plans and programs:

A Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a collaborative plan created by the fire department, state and local forestry staff, land managers, community leaders, and the public. The planning process maps values at risk, including neighborhoods, infrastructure, and natural areas that are vulnerable to wildfire, then takes action to reduce risk, such as prescribed burning, Firewise, or other measures.

Firewise Communities/USAprovides steps for homeowners to create defensible space and reduce wildfire threat to their homes and neighborhoods. Once the neighborhood has met specific criteria, they can apply for national Firewise recognition.

Ready, Set, Go!engages local fire departments who deliver the fire adapted communities message using Firewise, wildfire situational awareness, and safe evacuation planning and execution. The program educates both the public and fire departments in preparing a community for wildfire.

Know your role. Your first step is to watch this 30-second video from Fire Adapted Communities.